Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills
🇦🇪 Dubai · Founded 2005 · IB · Ages 3–18
A top-tier, full-IB-continuum institution and one of Dubai's most established IB World Schools — KHDA 'Outstanding' at its most recent inspection (2023–24). A strong fit for internationally mobile families seeking the complete PYP–MYP–DP–CP pathway at a premium-but-not-ultra-premium price point.
Curricula
IB
Age range
3–18
Languages of instruction
English
Annual fees
SGD AED 44,979–79,696
Enrollment
2,750
Boarding
No (day school)
IB authorised
PYP, MYP, DP, CP
KHDA 2024
Outstanding
Accreditations
Tier Profile
We only tier dimensions backed by a public inspection verdict or verifiable accreditation. Other dimensions show a data flag — never a guessed score.
BrightKey's Assessment
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (DIA) opened on 10 September 2005 as the first school in the Emirates Hills district. It was the first school in the UAE to gain IB World School status and to offer the full IB continuum, and today educates over 2,700 students from 80+ nationalities — one of the longest-running and largest IB schools in Dubai. It is operated by Innoventures Education. (This profile covers the Emirates Hills campus, not the separate Al Barsha campus opened 2018.)
The single most important external anchor is the KHDA (DSIB) rating. DIA Emirates Hills is rated 'Outstanding' — the top of KHDA's six-band scale — at its most recent inspection (2023–24), having returned to Outstanding in 2022–23 after a 'Very Good' period (2017–19). It is noted as the only full-IB-curriculum school in Dubai holding the top rating. Outstanding maps to the S tier.
Academically the school delivers strong, publicly reported IB Diploma outcomes: a May 2024 cohort of 155 students achieved an average of roughly 35 points (versus a global average near 32), with a top score of 45 and 91% of students scoring 30+. The school also offers the IB Career-related Programme (CP) and a BTEC Level 3 Diploma route alongside the academic DP.
Beyond academics, DIA runs a broad languages and mother-tongue programme and a well-developed co-curricular life including the long-running DIAMUN model UN conference. KHDA rated student care and support 'Outstanding,' with provision for Students of Determination 'Very Good.'
Why These Ratings?
Inspection & AccreditationS — Exceptional
KHDA 'Outstanding' (most recent inspection 2023–24) — the top of Dubai's real annual government inspectorate, and the only full-IB school in Dubai holding it. A hard external anchor → S.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Strengths
- KHDA 'Outstanding' (2023–24) — top of a real annual government inspectorate; the only full-IB school in Dubai holding it
- Complete IB continuum (PYP/MYP/DP/CP) — pioneer IB World School in the UAE, ideal for continuity
- Strong, transparently published IB Diploma results (2024 average ~35 vs ~32 global; top score 45)
- Large, highly international community (2,700+ students, 80+ nationalities)
- Broad language and mother-tongue provision (Arabic, French, Spanish core; German, Hindi, Russian etc. as mother tongues)
- Mature co-curricular ecosystem (DIAMUN, Eco-Flag, extensive facilities)
Trade-offs
- No publicly confirmed CIS (or second international) accreditation — IB World School status is verified, but not a second accreditation
- At/near capacity (reported 'full') — places may be constrained
- Reported teacher turnover ~16% — typical for Dubai but worth noting for continuity
- Premium fee band (up to ~AED 80k) plus add-on fees (entrance test, ESL support)
- Provision for Students of Determination rated 'Very Good' rather than Outstanding — a notch below the overall rating
Is It Right For You?
Best For
- ✓Internationally mobile families wanting an uninterrupted IB pathway
- ✓Families prioritising a government-verified top-rated school
- ✓Students who thrive in a large, diverse, activity-rich environment
- ✓Mother-tongue-language families
Not Ideal For
- ✕Families wanting British/American or national-curriculum tracks
- ✕Those needing the most intensive SEND support (rated Very Good, not Outstanding)
- ✕Families seeking a small, intimate school
- ✕Budget-sensitive families
Curriculum
Full IB continuum — PYP (KG1–Year 6), MYP (Years 7–11), DP (Years 12–13) — plus IB CP and a BTEC Level 3 Diploma route. First UAE school to offer the full IB range. Languages: Arabic plus French or Spanish core; mother-tongue programmes in French, German, Hindi, Russian, Spanish.
Fees
Annual tuition approximately AED 44,979–79,696 for 2025/26 (premium band, ~AED 60k average). Additional: entrance test fee ~AED 525; ESL support fee ~AED 4,500.
Admissions
Co-educational, KG1–Year 13, ages ~3–18. Entrance assessment required (test fee ~AED 525). School reported as currently full/at capacity — early application advised.
Campus Life
Dedicated Early Years section; specialist music, art, dance and drama rooms; science/computer/robotics labs; two covered pools; outdoor field and courts. Hosts the annual DIAMUN conference (600+ delegates); one of Dubai's first Eco-Flag schools.
University Placement
School-reported · not independently verified
School-reported, unverified: university-destination data is not publicly verified. IB outcomes are strong (2024 average ~35) but specific placement claims are not public.
Sources
Every verifiable fact carries a public source — verify it yourself.
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